Go Bats in Derrynane at the Discover Derrynane Weekend 2019
- Foilsithe: 6 Meitheamh 2019
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 12 Samhain 2019
This weekend the OPW will host the sixth annual Discover Derrynane Weekend at Derrynane House and National Historic Park. This year the festival is bigger and better than ever with 50 free events suitable for children and adults taking place across the weekend. The Discover Derrynane Weekend brings walks, talks, tours, workshops and exhibitions to the historic house and grounds, and families of all ages will find plenty to do on this magical stretch of the scenic Kerry coast.
Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, Minister of State for the OPW and Flood Relief, said:
“The Discover Derrynane Weekend is the perfect opportunity to visit and learn about this truly unique site and it’s great to see so many events taking place this year. This is a packed programme that offers so many opportunities to explore nature and marine life and take part in some superb cultural and historical activities I would like to encourage families of all ages to get out and explore what’s on offer across the weekend.”
Events taking place include:
- Bat Talks and Walks on Friday and Saturday nights followed by a guided Star Gazing Session
- Wild Derrynane Augmented Reality Workshops which will use technology to give a special view of marine and coast ecosystems
- A Wild Plant Medicine Walk which promises to open the senses to the world of plant medicine
- A Dark Deeds tour will explore Cromwellian beheading, smuggling, massacres from recent times to the mythological past
- Kids Bush Craft sessions
- A walk through the Derrynane Sub Tropical Paradise
- Talk on the White Tailed Sea Eagle Reintroduction Programme
Of course a trip to Derrynane would not be complete without an opportunity to delve into the life of Daniel O’ Connell and the OPW will host free guided tours of Derrynane House, the ancestral home of The Liberator, offering people the opportunity to learn all about his achievements and the huge influence the house and land had on his life.
Events and activities are free though booking may be required. To find out more go to www.derrynanehouse.ie.
For further information, please contact Client Services and Communications Unit at opwcsc@opw.ie
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ENDS
Notes to the Editor:
Discover Derrynane Weekend – full details on the free activities and events, including guided walks, workshops and family activities are available on Discover Derrynane 2019 Programme.
Derrynane House and National Historic Park
Derrynane House, located 3.5km from Caherdaniel, Co Kerry, is the ancestral home of Daniel O'Connell and the house is now a museum dedicated to the life of Daniel O'Connell and his great achievements. Derrynane was transferred to the State in 1964 and most of the old demesne of Derrynane is now included in Derrynane National Historic Park, an area of approximately 120 hectares under the care of the Office of Public Works (OPW).
Derrynane National Historic Park, which is on Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way route has 1.5km of shoreline with sand dunes and beaches, including a Blue Flag beach. There are a variety of trails throughout the grounds, including a section of the Kerry Way, a Mass Path and a seashore nature trail.
Information on fees and opening times are available on www.heritageireland.ie.